April is the height of spring, with an abundance of good weather and longer daylight hours. It is still low season but this month is often considered to be one of the best times to visit Croatia.
You get to enjoy popular attractions without lining up for hours or dodging other tourists as you explore castles or museums.
New to Airbnb? Get a $43 off for your next trip if you use our link here.
You get to really take in the country’s springtime scenery almost unobstructed. Croatia in April is just guaranteed to be worth it so plan ahead to avail of the best deals.
To help you out, here’s our April guide with information about the weather, things to do and travel tips.
Contents
What is the weather like in Croatia In April?
Temperature in Croatia in April
During April, the average temperature in Croatia is between 11°C to 17°C.
Rain in Croatia in April
The month of April isn’t spared from rain as Croatia gets around 90 mm over a period of 13 days.
Wind in Croatia in April
The average wind speed in Croatia 8.5 to 9.1 miles per hour during April.
Sun in Croatia in April
Daylight in Croatia stretches from 12 to 14 hours in April. Sunrise is usually at 6 am, while sunset is between 7 and 8 pm.
What to pack in Croatia for April
March, April, and May are the spring season in the country. Spring in Croatia is still colder than usual, bit weather is generally mild and perfect for exploring. The items listed here are ideal for still keeping warm, yet comfortable and ensures easy movement.
V-neck shirts – bring at least 3, in different colors. These are versatile and easy to pair with anything. Like these cotton v-neck shirts. You can wear a jacket over it as well or dress it u with a scarf if the weather gets chilly. You can check these shirts here.
Long-sleeved shirts — always a good idea, these are best for keeping you warm and also goes well with pretty much anything. Wear with leggings or
jeans for a casual walk around town, wear underneath a jacket or just wear a scarf for dining out or date night. Check out these long sleeve shirts.
Knee-length or mid-calf skirts — a great alternative for jeans and leggings that you can wear if you’re museum-hopping in Zagreb or hanging out at the Roman forums in Zadar, or exploring Diocletian’s Palace in Split, such as this pretty Zara skirt. It’s comfortable and just a bit dressy, looks great in photos, too!
Black leggings — this item should be in your travel must-haves any season of the year as it’s versatile, easily keeps you warm and goes well with pretty much anything.
Comfort fit jeans — you can easily layer these jeans with leggings if the weather gets too cold, and also ensures easier movements when embarking on long-distance walks or hikes.
Crease proof dress pants (for men) — be sure to bring at least a couple of these as an alternative to jeans. It’s dressy but it’s versatile, something that will take you from day strolls around the city to a fine dinner in the evening. See this stylish wrinkle-resistant pants from Vegorrs.
Sneakers — your go-to footwear that’s comfortable and looks good whether you’re wearing jeans, pants or a skirt. These superstar Adidas sneakers are perfect for any occasion and season.
Reusable water bottle with filter – sure, Croatia’s tap water is generally clean and safe to drink, but it’s always best to bring your own reusable bottle for quick refills and to help eliminate the use of plastic. Buy something like this RPA-free bottle.
Sturdy, Foldable Umbrella — Croatia does have surprise rain showers any time of the year so this one’s a definite must to keep you protected. Pack something like this compact windproof travel umbrella.
A handy bathroom kit — it’s really just made up of hand sanitizer and wet wipes (tissue is optional) which is useful when you commute or during your city sightseeing tours on foot. Also, a great way to stay clean and germ-free. This Purell hand sanitizing wipes travel pack is handy as both sanitizer and wipes.
Comfortable Hiking Boots — a must if you’re planning to explore national parks, mountains, fortresses, lighthouses and even a stroll around a particular city on foot. Pick the ones that are a bit dressy so you can wear them on your other Croatia activities, too. Just like this one from Xpeti which comes in different colors.
Things To Do In Croatia In April
1. Spring on the Zrmanja River
An exciting attraction in Croatia that’s a definite must experience is spending part of your April trip in the Zrmanja.
Surround yourself with breathtaking natural sceneries in this part of northern Dalmatia, which is known as the “European Grand Canyon”.
Better yet, join the fun in the ‘Spring on the Zrmanja Rive’ event, where you can watch kayakers and rafters in action.
Join the fun by cheering on the participants, or you may also enjoy a boat ride along with the crystal clear waters.
2. Dubrovnik FestiWine
A wine festival is always a good reason to go to Croatia’s most popular city.
Every April, there’s a week-long event that celebrates the wines of the Dubrovnik-Neretva county.
During this festive week, bars and restaurants feature a varied selection of local wines as well as sampling sessions. There are workshops and exhibitions, as well as an open market in the city’s picturesque old town.
Apart from local wines, fresh produce and native delicacies are also sold. It’s a great opportunity to stock on some of Croatia’s best products to bring home.
3. Dalmatian Coast tour
After you’ve had enough vino during the FestiWine, take advantage of the low season and tour the usually crowded destinations along the Dalmatian coast.
Considered as one of Croatia’s most beautiful regions, Dalmatia is home to the ancient Roman city of Split and the charming old city of Dubrovnik.
Hire or rent a car and explore on your own. Enjoy attractions like the Diocletian’s Palace and Dubrovnik’s old city walls while there are still fewer tourists.
Savor the quiet, relaxed pace and take lots of photos. It may be touristy, but this is a great thing to do in Croatia in April where you really get to take in its long, fascinating history.
4. Pick Wild Asparagus
Everything blooms and comes to life in springtime, and it is also the season in Croatia to harvest wild asparagus, which are found in the woods and forests of the Dalmatian region.
This delicious vegetable is rather expensive when bought, but as a fun and unique activity in Croatia, go ahead and forage!
Morning is the best time to do it, and wild asparagus are quite easy to spot. They easily stand out in the bushes with their vivid purple-green color.
Get a few handfuls, take them back to the kitchen and think of how you’d want to cook them. They can go in soups, stews and stir fry dishes.
Despite the very mild bitter taste, wild asparagus is delicious. Getting them fresh is surely one of the best activities to do in Croatia in April.
5. Spring in Kastav
Go somewhere different, apart from the usual Croatian destinations when you visit in April.
Try spending a few days in charming Kastav, an old walled town situated on a hill close to Rijeka. This town is known as one of the first places to receive snow during winter.
At springtime, however, its green parks and lush forests turn into a showcase of colors. Kastav is known for its picturesque downtown that’s perfect for afternoon strolls.
This fortified town has numerous historic buildings, which include a 13th-century church. There are also green spaces for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.
6. Bond with Peacocks in Lokrum
Located less than a kilometer away from Dubrovnik, Lokrum island is easily reached via a 15-minute ferry service. This is your quick island getaway if you’re pressed for time but want to see more of Croatia.
Lokrum may be small, but it has some interesting attractions. There are an inland saltwater lake, a nudist beach, and a Benedictine monastery.
If you thought that’s eclectic enough then wait until you meet the island’s colorful residents – the peacocks.
They roam the island freely and would most likely join you as you stroll along the lake, walk to the monastery or lounge by the beach.
If you’re up for some quiet time, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Croatia in April.
Travel Tips for Croatia in April
1. If your Croatia holiday is only for a few days and you want to see as much of it as you can, your best bet is to go on a cruise.
A cruise allows you to see multiple destinations in Croatia onboard a boat and definitely saves a lot of travel time. You get to relax more and have plenty of time to appreciate each destination.
Cruises usually stop at coastal towns and cities like Dubrovnik, and islands like Hvar, Korcula, Mljet, and Trstenik.
2. You always need to include rain gear when going to Croatia as no month is spared from its rather fickle weather.
An essential is a coat that’s weatherproof and easily folded into something that won’t take a lot of space in your day bag.
3. Bring clothes that are versatile and multipurpose so as to save space in your luggage.
Examples of these are athletic shorts that can double as sleepwear and casual shirts in light material that you can wear when going out or as a pajama top.
Leggings and tights can also go from dressy streetwear (paired with a long top plus jacket) to something you can pair with a shirt and long coat during hiking trips.
4. Croatia isn’t just old towns with historic buildings or ancient walls next to pristine beaches.
April is a great opportunity to explore not so popular areas like those in the mountains and plains. Examples of these places are Motovun in Istria, and Brela or Omis near Split.
5. Another fantastic way to explore Croatia aside from renting a car is by going on a biking or motorcycle tour. You can rent these locally and truly a cool way to explore as traffic is a breeze during April.
Explore the countrysides, mountainous areas, vineyards, and even islands. You might even stumble upon hidden gems during your trip.
New to Airbnb? Get a $43 off for your next trip if you use our link here.
